Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

not rude. It's your home. I lately have been asking people to take their shoes off. It grosses me out (shoes in the house)... I have a child too, so would prefer no outside crap on my carpet.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

never. My house is not a museum, I want my guests to feel comfortable in our house. Guests in my house can do whatever they want.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

No, although I would REALLY like to!!!!! I usually just do it out of respect when I visit friends.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

We are still renters and when we moved in, the carpet that was already here was very light. The previous tenants, over the years, seemed not to take very good care of it. We asked the landlord to have the carpets cleaned before we moved in. They vacuumed - gee thanks.

Personally, if I were to carpet a home, I would NEVER put carpet that would be susceptible to showing dirt. To me, it simply isn't practical. I like to have people over and frankly, I am put off by foot odor. No matter how clean a person is, after a full day of activity in shoes, feet stink and I don't want to smell it. I would rather grab my RESOLVE and clean up after they go should anyone make a mess.

If I had hardwood floors, it is an assumption of risk that the floors may be damaged when I entertain and thats a chance I would be forced to take. I am generally, NOT a hardwood floor person.

Message edited 1/20/2007 10:09:53 PM.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

I don't ask people to in my house but I don't find it rude at all.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

When we come in, we take off our shoes. I would never ask anyone else to do the same, especially, if it was someone who is at my home for the first time. I want people to feel comfortable and welcomed when they enter my home. IMO asking people to take off their shoes puts them in an awkward position.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Well, since my dog is a World Class Shoe Thief, I can't ask people to take their shoes off because they would probably only leave my house with one!!

I personally run a very "comfortable" house. So I let people do what they want. If they want to take their shoes off, fine. If not, fine.

I think the key here is expectation. If they already know you have a more "formal" kind of place, they might expect it and therefore be prepared.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

I have a friend who always asks everyone to take off our shoes when entereing her house.

She has hardwood floors and doesn't want anyone tracking dirt in.

Her son's first word was "dirty". I think she wants him to grow up in a germ-free environment - but that's a WHOLE different story for another time.

Bottom line, I think it's rude and hate doing this when I go to friend's houses.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

We don't wear shoes in our house. It's just easier to keep clean that way with a toddler and a baby crawling around.

However, I never would ask a guest to take off their shoes. I have noticed that most guests come into my house and take off their shoes because we don't have shoes on, but its not something I ask them to do. I would think if their comfortable with their shoes, they should wear them.

My house is far from pristine. Be yourself in my house, shoes or no shoes!

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

No, it is not rude IMO. I was raised never to enter someones house with my shoes on. Whenever I go to someones house DH and I always take our shoes off. Yes, I always ask people to take off their shoes at the door before entering the inside of my house. I do not walk inside of my house with shoes on. Walking outside with your shoes IMO bring in germs into the house so that is why I do not wear shoes in my house or anyones house.

Message edited 1/20/2007 10:50:58 AM.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

I think it is rude as well

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Unless it's really wet out side, I think it's rude to ask people to take off their shoes.

We used to have a light colored rug and we just cleaned the carpet after we had a big gathering if it was needed.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Ugh- I HATE it when people ask me to take off my shoes. I think it's anal rententive and rude to expect it.

Honestly- what if I have a hole in my sock, my socks don't match, or my toes aren't done? The last thing a hostess should do is make their guests uncomfortable. When you invite people into your home, their comfort should supercede your own. I'd rather put bags over my shoes upon arrival than remove my shoes totally.

And what about delivery people, maintainance people, etc? Do THEY have to take their shoe's off?

Why anyone would want sweaty foot juice all over their stuff is beyond me....

My opinion only.....

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

if its family they know to take their shoes off. but if it was something like a pampered chef party i wouldnt bother people with it.

i always think of that episode of sex and the city where someone stole kerry's shoes at a party when the hostess requested everyone take their shoes off!

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

We take our shoes off but never ask others too, unless it's bad weather. When we move into our house, I think I may ask just because we are neat freaks and it would make me crazy. Plus in our last place we had brand new tan carpeting put in and my friend came in after working in her garage with her BF at the time and ruined the whole thing...and acted like it wasn't her....SO, might be a good idea to ask.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

i honestly think it's very rude to ask people to take off their shoes.

i have hardwood floors and have not had any problems with people leaving scuff marks or anything...and if they did, such is life! like someone else said, my house is not a museum and shouldn't be treated as such.

i hate when i am asked to take off my shoes at someone else's house, especially if i'm not offered slippers!

if it's bad weather, most people have the common sense to wipe their feet. and if they track in a little dirt, i'll pull out the mop...no big deal!

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

ANYTIME anyone walks into our house we ALWAYS ask. We have very light (almost white) carpets so it's a must in order to keep them clean.

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

Re: Do you ask people to take off their shoes when you have a crowd over?

I wouldn't even know how to ask without sounding rude.

For those of you who do, when you have someone over for the first time, what do you say to them, exactly??

And have you ever had anyone refuse?

I'm so curious.